What is important to Vidblaster?

[Bob Mills]

As a starting point to some upgrade planning, I am interested to know what computer components would most help Vidblaster in its work. I use Skype, 3 firewire cams, and record only (no streaming). How would you rank, from most important to least, the following:

CPU
RAM
Graphics Card
HDD characteristics
anything else


I understand that this is not an all or nothing proposition--all these things are important. But, all things being equal, I want my incremental upgrades to be most impactful.

Thanks!
Bob

[wiav8r]

I would have to say CPU #1 and Graphics card as #2 on the list in that order

[Sinc747]

Bob,

Many VB users have reported good results from a Windows 7 upgrade.

- Tom

[Echo7]

From my almost a year of testing:

1. Desktop i7, at least 8 gig ram, I run only VB, Cyberlink Power Director, Serif Draw plus x4, four cameras, 20 modules. Behringer mic mixer, XLR Stationary mics, four wireless mics. Attempting to add such things as Skype etc have not been tested as for now I don't need it. Stream 640x360.

Am now looking at some of the i5 and i7 laptops for possibly decreasing my travel weight, but will wait til the right configuration comes along for a bit lower price.

With the Dell XPS Studio 9000 desktop below the $2,000 price this handles all that VB can give it.

So.
CPU and Speed
Clean harddrive with only necessary video programs
The VidBlaster profile that best provides a clean, crisp stream
Since many VB users have different needs as far as configuration is concerned , if you test on a smaller unit it will give you an idea of what you will need to accomplish your desired programming.

[weconverse]

Agree on the above. And add (to William) that the PC design is important too. Laptops have suboptimal internal channels, so in general the same CPU and Graphics card typically is not as effecient in a laptop as in a desk top.